What a Football Back Plate Does
A back plate attaches to the rear of the shoulder pads and extends over the lower back, an area the pads do not fully cover on their own.
Lower-Back Coverage: Standard shoulder pads primarily cover the shoulders, chest, and upper back. A back plate adds protection below the pads, extending over the lower back for defensive backs, receivers, and other players. It can also provide extra protection for players who regularly absorb contact to the lower torso.
Fit and Feel: A lightweight backplate can add reliable protection without limiting mobility or comfort. Since it attaches directly to the shoulder pads, it stays secure as the athlete moves.
Sizes and Fit
Back plates are sized by age group and attach differently depending on the brand.
Adult and Youth: An adult size Sports Unlimited back plate measures 11.25 inches wide by 7.25 inches tall, while the youth version measures 9.75 by 5.75 inches. Youth players generally need the smaller option, since an adult size may hang too low on a smaller frame.
Universal Fit: Sports Unlimited models use a universal fit designed for most shoulder-pad brands, with adjustable mounting straps and three fit settings. This plate can be adjusted to work with different shoulder-pad setups as an athlete changes gear.
Brand-Specific Plates: Some plates are designed for specific shoulder pad lines. The Douglas Custom Pro CP Series comes in 4-inch and 6-inch sizes for Douglas Custom Pro pads, while the Nike Hyperstrong works with most football shoulder pads.
Graphics and Brands
Back plates are a piece of football gear that gives players more room to personalize their setup.
Sports Unlimited Designs: Sports Unlimited offers a wide range of back plate graphics, colors, and designs to match different player preferences and team looks.
Team and Program Picks: Solid and single-color plates work well for teams that want a consistent look. The Riddell Varsity, Riddell Youth, and Gear Pro-Tec Razor offer more traditional designs.
Vented Options: The XTECH Vented 5-Panel is a high-end backplate with a vented panel design that adds breathability and airflow for a football player in warmer conditions.
Installing a Back Plate
Attaching a plate is straightforward with the included hardware.
What Comes Included: Sports Unlimited models ship with installation hardware and straps. The plate attaches through pre-drilled holes, so no drilling is needed on most standard shoulder pads.
Adjusting the Drop: The PVC straps offer three settings to adjust how high or low the plate sits. Adjust the plate so it sits securely below the shoulder pads and stays in place as the athlete moves.
Replacement Hardware: If a strap or screw is lost or damaged, replacement plate hardware is available in our football equipment accessories section.
Find Your Football Back Plate at Sports Unlimited
Compare designs, sizes, and fit across every back plate we carry to find the right protective accessory for your gear.
Shipping and Returns: In-stock orders placed before 3 p.m. ET ship the same day, and most orders over $49 ship free. Returns are accepted up to 30 days after delivery with no authorization required.
Questions on Fit: Compatibility is listed on each product page. If you still are not sure a plate works with your pads, call 610-825-6368 or use the live chat on our site.
Complete Your Gear: Browse shoulder pads, rib guards, and helmets to round out your setup.